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Media Release

Attention: News editors/Medical reporters - 25 May 2006

Mobility scooter death and injury “epidemic” ahead – study

A national approach is needed urgently to deal with an impending epidemic of mobility scooter deaths and injuries, researchers from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) say.

The Chair of Injury Prevention at MUARC, Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith, says the problem is a serious emerging trend among the elderly and disabled and needs immediate attention.

The latest Hazard study, by MUARC’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, reports that six people died and more than 150 went to hospital with scooter injuries in Victoria between 2000 and 2005. People older than 80 were over represented in both fatalities and hospital-treated injury cases.

“But, frighteningly, the number of injuries is probably up to five times higher as hospital surveillance systems are currently inadequate to fully identify emerging injury issues related to new consumer products,” Professor Ozanne-Smith says.

“We would not allow a new drug into the market without stringent assessment and regulations, so the same caution should apply with new products such as mobility scooters, which are used by people with a range of abilities. Leadership needs to be provided urgently to take control of what may be an impending epidemic of deaths in injuries associated with mobility scooters.”

Professor Ozanne-Smith says scooters are becoming more popular as older and disabled people strive to maintain active, independent lives. People often see scooters as an alternative to cars, and not only as an aid for those who have trouble walking because of a major disability or health condition.

The Hazard report said all the deaths and half the injuries resulted from major falls. Other major causes of injuries were collisions with cars, prams, bushes, trees and fences, and tip-overs on uneven surfaces or gutters. Head wounds, and face and leg and hip fractures were the most common injuries.

The report listed the main causes of scooter injuries as

  • engineering (mechanical/frame and electric/electronic problems)
  • environmental (inclines, ramps, driveways, street and footpath issues)
  • occupant knowledge and skill deficiencies
  • system problems such as inadequate training, and
  • lack of protective equipment by users.

The report also highlighted inconsistencies in scooter regulations between Australian states. In Victoria, third party insurance is not available. But in NSW, South Australia and Queensland, scooters are covered by third party bodily injury insurance when used on roads and footpaths.

The full report can be viewed at http://www.monash.edu.au/muarc/VISU/hazard/index.html

Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith is available for interview on +61 3 9905 1810 or 0419 871 266. Media can also contact Ms Allison Harding, media officer on +61 3 9905 1255 or 0419 302 520.